Police raids this week at several Mexican restaurants in Indianapolis and other locations across the state appear to be part of a grand jury probe, but exactly what type of wrongdoing authorities suspect remains unknown.

Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry would not discuss the investigation Tuesday because grand jury proceedings are secret. But he reiterated "numerous" search warrants have been served across the state.

"We will not comment further in regard to the nature of such investigation," Curry said in a statement.

The El Rodeo restaurant at 2606 N. High School Road, as well as the nearby homes of two of its managers, were among the sites targeted by police, according to records and witnesses interviewed by The Star.

None of the raids appears to have involved federal immigration or drug enforcement officials.

In the search of the High School Road restaurant, investigators from the State Police, Marion County sheriff, Indiana Excise Police and Indianapolis police seized a cash register, cash and "business and other documents," according to a sheriff's department report.

"All the items seized were released to Marion County grand jury investigators," the report said.

Those searches were part of police raids at several El Rodeo locations in Indianapolis, as well as Tippecanoe and Wayne counties. State Police also searched at least one El Jaripeo Mexican Restaurant — in New Palestine — which is part of another chain owned and operated by El Rodeo principal Francisco Salgado, Indianapolis, and secretary Jose Melendez, Fortville.

Salgado and Melendez could not be reached for comment. A search of state and federal court records revealed no outstanding litigation except a rent dispute about an El Rodeo franchise on Meridian Street Downtown.

Police on Monday removed evidence from the home of Enrique Melendez in Chapel Hill Village on the Far Westside. Neighbors said five police cars were at Melendez's house for about six hours Monday, taking away a computer and boxes of written material.

Melendez is identified in public reports and by residents there as a manager at the Speedway El Rodeo. It is not clear whether he is related to Jose Melendez.

A lawyer believed to represent the restaurant did not return phone calls.

Police also have gone through the Avon home of Gina Santana, also a manager at the Speedway El Rodeo.

According to Indiana secretary of state office records there are 21 El Rodeos registered in Indiana — six in Indianapolis — and five El Jaripeos, all outside Indianapolis.

Call Star reporter John Tuohy at (317) 444-2762. Follow him on Twitter: @john_tuohy.